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North Carolina Cosmetology — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Apprentice cosmetologist license

School-trained apprentice practicing under direct cosmetologist supervision; not a salon operator.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners · Application information

Apprentice licensure by examination — 1500

All of the following:

Application
Submit application and appropriate fees.
Education
Complete the 1,500-hour course and score at least 70 percent on both sections; if below 75 percent, request apprentice licensure instead of retaking the cosmetologist examinations.
Passing Scores
At least 70 percent on both the theory and practical examinations.
Supervision
Practice under direct supervision of a licensed cosmetologist; may not operate a cosmetic art shop.
Reinstatement following child support or subpoena compliance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Certification
The clerk of superior court or child support enforcement agency certifies that the licensee is no longer delinquent, or is compliant with or no longer subject to the subpoena that caused revocation.
Fee
No additional reinstatement cost under G.S. 93B-13(d).
Other Revocation
A longer separate Board disciplinary revocation remains controlling under G.S. 93B-13(c).
Timing
The Board shall reinstate immediately upon certification.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of expired license within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Apprentices are exempt from continuing education.
Expiration
License expired less than five years ago; submit unpaid renewal fees and the applicable late fee. Examination reinstatement is required only after the five-year failure-to-renew threshold in G.S. 88B-21(f).
Fees
Submit renewal application and applicable license fees.
Military Extension
Qualifying military service and spouses may receive the renewal-payment and continuing-education extension in 21 NCAC 14A .0401(a), subject to G.S. 93B-15.
Renewal Cycle
Renew by October 1 at the end of the one year license cycle.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military spouse licensure by endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Application
Provide current licensure, identification and military orders; no initial application fee.
Competence
Show competency through Board-determined methods, such as continuing education or recent experience for at least two of the prior five years.
Existing License
Current corresponding license with substantially equivalent or higher requirements.
Standing
Good standing, no discipline, no pending complaints, and no disqualifying professional acts.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military training and experience qualifications
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Application
21 NCAC 14A .0401(b) asks for a current valid license copy, license application and military experience/training documentation. The Board page asks for current licensure, ID and military orders.
Discipline
No disqualifying professional conduct and no pending complaints.
Fee
No initial application fee under G.S. 93B-15.1(k); provide required documentation.
Military Training
Awarded a military occupational specialty; military training, testing or equivalent training/experience, and duties substantially equivalent to or exceeding North Carolina licensing requirements.
Recent Practice
Active occupational practice for at least two of the five years before application; qualifying part-time and volunteer experience credited.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Apprentice licensure by examination — nc

All of the following:

Application
Submit application and appropriate fees.
Education
Complete at least 1,200 hours of the approved apprentice cosmetology curriculum and required performances.
Passing Scores
At least 70 percent on both the theory and practical examinations.
Supervision
Practice under direct supervision of a licensed cosmetologist; may not operate a cosmetic art shop.
Licensure recognition under G.S. 93B 15.3
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Competence
Demonstrate competency by Board-determined methods that may include original minimum education, supervision or experience.
Existing License
Current corresponding license at the same or substantially equivalent practice level in a neighboring jurisdiction enumerated in G.S. 93B-15.3(b)(1), held at least one year.
Fees
Pay all applicable licensing, verification and background-check fees.
Prior Examination
Have passed the originating jurisdiction examination if one was required; the statute identifies no particular currently offered examination, so this is a condition.
Residency
Establish residence in North Carolina.
Standing
Good standing in all United States jurisdictions; no disciplinary surrender or revocation, no active/pending discipline, and no disqualifying criminal history; resolved discipline must be verified.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Apprentice licensure by examination — outstate

All of the following:

Application
Submit application and appropriate fees.
Education
Complete at least 1,200 hours in an approved out-of-state cosmetology school; enrollment within five years and certified transcript required.
Passing Scores
At least 70 percent on both the theory and practical examinations.
Supervision
Practice under direct supervision of a licensed cosmetologist; may not operate a cosmetic art shop.
Return from inactive to active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Notify the Board, submit reactivation request and $10 fee.
Continuing Education
Complete eight hours for each year inactive, up to 24 total hours.
Existing License
Current inactive license in good standing; expired licenses are not inactive licenses.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Examination reinstatement after five years expired

All of the following:

Application
Apply through the Board and Prov and pay applicable examination and licensing fees.
Approval
Board approval is required before examination registration; Board prescribes reinstatement examination requirements.
Expiration
Failed to renew within five years following expiration.
Passing Standard
Cosmetologist 75 percent and apprentice 70 percent on theory and practical, under 21 NCAC 14N .0110.
License renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Apprentices are exempt from continuing education.
Fees
Submit renewal application and applicable license fees.
Military Extension
Qualifying military service and spouses may receive the renewal-payment and continuing-education extension in 21 NCAC 14A .0401(a), subject to G.S. 93B-15.
Renewal Cycle
Renew by October 1 at the end of the one year license cycle.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by equivalent out of state credentials
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply and pay transfer and license fees; ID and license names must match.
Board Instructions
The Board transfer page also says: "Be licensed in a state that offers reciprocity to North Carolina (Registrations and certificates are not accepted. Reciprocity cannot be granted for registrations or certificates.)"; follow the Board certification or license-copy instructions.
Discipline
No unresolved complaint or pending disciplinary proceeding.
Equivalence
Originating licensure requirements substantially equivalent to North Carolina.
Existing License
Active license in good standing in the corresponding discipline.
Recent Practice
Practiced at least one of the three years immediately preceding application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Cosmetologist license

License to practice all parts of cosmetic art, including cosmetology.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners · Application information

Reinstatement following child support or subpoena compliance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Certification
The clerk of superior court or child support enforcement agency certifies that the licensee is no longer delinquent, or is compliant with or no longer subject to the subpoena that caused revocation.
Fee
No additional reinstatement cost under G.S. 93B-13(d).
Other Revocation
A longer separate Board disciplinary revocation remains controlling under G.S. 93B-13(c).
Timing
The Board shall reinstate immediately upon certification.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of expired license within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete eight Board-approved hours per year, with up to 24 hours at any time in the three-year cycle; at least half relate to cosmetology. Maintain attendance records and affirm completion. Active practitioners are exempt with ten consecutive years and age 60 or older, or twenty consecutive cosmetologist years; the latter still report any classes completed. The rule exempts the initial licensing period.
Expiration
License expired less than five years ago; submit unpaid renewal fees and the applicable late fee. Examination reinstatement is required only after the five-year failure-to-renew threshold in G.S. 88B-21(f).
Fees
Submit renewal application and applicable license fees.
Military Extension
Qualifying military service and spouses may receive the renewal-payment and continuing-education extension in 21 NCAC 14A .0401(a), subject to G.S. 93B-15.
Renewal Cycle
Renew by October 1 at the end of the three years license cycle.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military spouse licensure by endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Application
Provide current licensure, identification and military orders; no initial application fee.
Competence
Show competency through Board-determined methods, such as continuing education or recent experience for at least two of the prior five years.
Existing License
Current corresponding license with substantially equivalent or higher requirements.
Standing
Good standing, no discipline, no pending complaints, and no disqualifying professional acts.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military training and experience qualifications
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Application
21 NCAC 14A .0401(b) asks for a current valid license copy, license application and military experience/training documentation. The Board page asks for current licensure, ID and military orders.
Discipline
No disqualifying professional conduct and no pending complaints.
Fee
No initial application fee under G.S. 93B-15.1(k); provide required documentation.
Military Training
Awarded a military occupational specialty; military training, testing or equivalent training/experience, and duties substantially equivalent to or exceeding North Carolina licensing requirements.
Recent Practice
Active occupational practice for at least two of the five years before application; qualifying part-time and volunteer experience credited.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure recognition under G.S. 93B 15.3
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Competence
Demonstrate competency by Board-determined methods that may include original minimum education, supervision or experience.
Existing License
Current corresponding license at the same or substantially equivalent practice level in a neighboring jurisdiction enumerated in G.S. 93B-15.3(b)(1), held at least one year.
Fees
Pay all applicable licensing, verification and background-check fees.
Prior Examination
Have passed the originating jurisdiction examination if one was required; the statute identifies no particular currently offered examination, so this is a condition.
Residency
Establish residence in North Carolina.
Standing
Good standing in all United States jurisdictions; no disciplinary surrender or revocation, no active/pending discipline, and no disqualifying criminal history; resolved discipline must be verified.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return from inactive to active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Notify the Board, submit reactivation request and $10 fee.
Continuing Education
Complete eight hours for each year inactive, up to 24 total hours.
Existing License
Current inactive license in good standing; expired licenses are not inactive licenses.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Examination reinstatement after five years expired

All of the following:

Application
Apply through the Board and Prov and pay applicable examination and licensing fees.
Approval
Board approval is required before examination registration; Board prescribes reinstatement examination requirements.
Expiration
Failed to renew within five years following expiration.
Passing Standard
Cosmetologist 75 percent and apprentice 70 percent on theory and practical, under 21 NCAC 14N .0110.
License renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete eight Board-approved hours per year, with up to 24 hours at any time in the three-year cycle; at least half relate to cosmetology. Maintain attendance records and affirm completion. Active practitioners are exempt with ten consecutive years and age 60 or older, or twenty consecutive cosmetologist years; the latter still report any classes completed. The rule exempts the initial licensing period.
Fees
Submit renewal application and applicable license fees.
Military Extension
Qualifying military service and spouses may receive the renewal-payment and continuing-education extension in 21 NCAC 14A .0401(a), subject to G.S. 93B-15.
Renewal Cycle
Renew by October 1 at the end of the three years license cycle.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by reciprocity or comity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Provide the certification or current license copy specified by the Board, matching ID, application and fees.
Comity
North Carolina admits the applicant under the same reciprocity or comity provisions the originating jurisdiction grants to North Carolina licensees.
Existing License
Current valid cosmetologist license in good standing in a jurisdiction granting reciprocity or comity to North Carolina licensees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by equivalent out of state credentials
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply and pay transfer and license fees; ID and license names must match.
Board Instructions
The Board transfer page also says: "Be licensed in a state that offers reciprocity to North Carolina (Registrations and certificates are not accepted. Reciprocity cannot be granted for registrations or certificates.)"; follow the Board certification or license-copy instructions.
Discipline
No unresolved complaint or pending disciplinary proceeding.
Equivalence
Originating licensure requirements substantially equivalent to North Carolina.
Existing License
Active license in good standing in the corresponding discipline.
Recent Practice
Practiced at least one of the three years immediately preceding application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination — apprenticeship

All of the following:

Application
Submit the Board application and pay the applicable license fees after satisfying eligibility.
Apprenticeship Proof
Submit the Board Apprentice Affirmation from each North Carolina shop and supervising cosmetologist. Full time is 38–40 hours weekly; part time requires 1,040 hours. Temporary-permit time does not count.
Criminal History
Disclose felony convictions or pending felony charges under 21 NCAC 14I .0401; the Board reviews licensure eligibility.
Education
Complete 1,200 approved school hours and at least six months of cosmetology apprenticeship under direct supervision.
Exam Standard
The Board affidavit processes apprenticeship completion and the $49 cosmetologist license fee; the regulation specifies the cosmetologist passing standard of 75 percent on both sections. The route retains the current examinations, including a score already earned.
Exam Timing
The theory examination may be taken after 1,000 school hours under 21 NCAC 14N .0102; complete the curriculum before the practical examination.
Passing Scores
Score at least 75 percent on both practical and theory under 21 NCAC 14N .0110(1).
Repeat Failures
G.S. 88B-18(d) requires additional Board-prescribed requirements after three failures; the Prov CIB states written retakes may be repeated without additional school hours and practical retakes are limited before additional hours.
Licensure by examination — nc

All of the following:

Application
Submit the Board application and pay the applicable license fees after satisfying eligibility.
Criminal History
Disclose felony convictions or pending felony charges under 21 NCAC 14I .0401; the Board reviews licensure eligibility.
Education
Complete 1,500 hours in an approved North Carolina cosmetology school and required performances.
Exam Timing
The theory examination may be taken after 1,000 school hours under 21 NCAC 14N .0102; complete the curriculum before the practical examination.
Foreign Applicants
The Board states that foreign cosmetic art education and credentials cannot be reviewed or verified; attend North Carolina school and meet its licensure requirements, or qualify through a United States license transfer.
Passing Scores
Score at least 75 percent on both practical and theory under 21 NCAC 14N .0110(1).
Repeat Failures
G.S. 88B-18(d) requires additional Board-prescribed requirements after three failures; the Prov CIB states written retakes may be repeated without additional school hours and practical retakes are limited before additional hours.
Licensure by examination — outstate

All of the following:

Application
Submit the Board application and pay the applicable license fees after satisfying eligibility.
Criminal History
Disclose felony convictions or pending felony charges under 21 NCAC 14I .0401; the Board reviews licensure eligibility.
Education
Complete at least 1,500 hours in an approved out-of-state cosmetic art school.
Exam Timing
The theory examination may be taken after 1,000 school hours under 21 NCAC 14N .0102; complete the curriculum before the practical examination.
Passing Scores
Score at least 75 percent on both practical and theory under 21 NCAC 14N .0110(1).
Repeat Failures
G.S. 88B-18(d) requires additional Board-prescribed requirements after three failures; the Prov CIB states written retakes may be repeated without additional school hours and practical retakes are limited before additional hours.
School Records
Enrollment must be within the past five years; submit a transcript with enrollment and graduation dates, daily earned hours and total hours, and obtain Board approval before testing.

Temporary employment permit (cosmetology)

Supervised temporary permission for cosmetologist or apprentice applicants pending their licensure examinations.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners · Application information

Graduate temporary employment permit — apprentice cosmetologist

All of the following:

Duration
Expires six months after graduation; cannot be renewed.
Education
Graduate from the approved 1,200-hour apprentice cosmetologist curriculum; the school submits graduation documentation.
Examination Application
Apply for the examination within three months after graduation; passage is not a prerequisite to issuance of this permit.
Permit Fee
Submit temporary permit application and $5 fee.
Practice Limits
Only supervised practice in the corresponding discipline; may not operate a shop.
Graduate temporary employment permit — cosmetologist

All of the following:

Duration
Expires six months after graduation; cannot be renewed.
Education
Graduate from the approved 1,500-hour cosmetologist curriculum; the school submits graduation documentation.
Examination Application
Apply for the examination within three months after graduation; passage is not a prerequisite to issuance of this permit.
Permit Fee
Submit temporary permit application and $5 fee.
Practice Limits
Only supervised practice in the corresponding discipline; may not operate a shop.

National Cosmetology Practical Examination

This assessment does not have a question bank.

Provider
Developed by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC); practical examinations administered by test administration companies and states upon approval and authorization of NIC
Format
Hands-on practical examination in timed sections performed on a model or mannequin according to state guidelines, with more than one client represented; candidates bring their own supply kit and are evaluated by examiners on specified tasks; NIC also offers additional practical sections that states may require
Examination sources

National Cosmetology Theory Examination

Provider
Developed by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC); computer-based testing administered by test administration companies and states upon approval and authorization of NIC
Format
Multiple-choice theory examination; each question has four answer options, only one of which is correct
Exam questions
110 items, of which 100 items are weighted and contribute to the final score
Time limit
90 minutes
Examination outline
  • Scientific Concepts (35% of items) (35%)
    • Infection control and safety practices — Identify cause/transmission of diseases and infections
    • Infection control and safety practices — Identify the purpose and differentiate among the categories of infection control: Sanitation; Disinfection; Sterilization
    • Infection control and safety practices — Recognize how cross-contamination occurs and how it can be prevented (e.g., single use and multi-use items)
    • Infection control and safety practices — Apply blood exposure procedures
    • Infection control and safety practices — Identify requirements of government agencies: OSHA; EPA
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify function and structure of the: Hair and scalp; Skin; Nails
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Recognize signs and symptoms of conditions, disorders, and diseases related to: Hair and scalp; Skin; Nails
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify muscles and joints and their functions related to: Head and face; Arms and hands; Legs and feet
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify functions of: Nervous system; Circulatory system
    • Basic chemistry used in Cosmetology — Recognize purpose and effects of ingredients
    • Basic chemistry used in Cosmetology — Recognize interactions between chemicals
    • Basic chemistry used in Cosmetology — Recognize chemical reactions (e.g., overexposure, chemical burn)
    • Basic chemistry used in Cosmetology — Recognize the values of the pH scale
  • Hair Care and Services (45% of items) (45%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Evaluate condition of client’s hair and scalp
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recognize conditions that would prohibit service (i.e., contraindications)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Utilize preliminary tests (e.g., predisposition and strand tests)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recommend services or products based on client needs
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Establish/Maintain client records (e.g., service history, client card, medical history)
    • Hair care and services- Tools used in hair care services — Identify purpose, function, and infection control procedures of items: Equipment (e.g., chair, workstation); Implements (e.g., razors, shears, combs/brushes); Supplies and materials (e.g., towels, drapes, neck strips); Electrical tools (e.g., irons, blow dryers, clippers)
    • Hair care and services- Tools used in hair care services — Demonstrate safe practices: Tools/Implements; Ergonomics
    • Hair care principles and procedures — Demonstrate shampooing and conditioning
    • Hair care principles and procedures — Demonstrate scalp treatments and scalp massage
    • Hair care principles and procedures — Demonstrate draping (e.g., chemical, shampoo, cutting, styling)
    • Hair care principles and procedures — Recognize differences in hair care principles and procedures based on various hair types and textures
    • Hair design principles and procedures — Demonstrate hair cutting and shaping
    • Hair design principles and procedures — Demonstrate hair styling: Wet styling; Thermal styling; Natural hair styling (e.g., braiding)
    • Hair design principles and procedures — Apply, maintain, and remove hair enhancements: Wigs and hairpieces; Hair additions (e.g., taping, bonding, fusion, linking)
    • Hair design principles and procedures — Apply principles of balance and hair design (e.g., facial shape, physical structure)
    • Hair design principles and procedures — Recognize differences in hair design principles and procedures based on various hair types and textures
    • Chemical services principles and procedures — Perform hair color services (e.g., virgin, retouch, lightening, foiling, balayage, color formulation, color correction)
    • Chemical services principles and procedures — Perform chemical hair relaxer/restructurizer and curl reduction (e.g., hydroxide, thio, keratin) service
    • Chemical services principles and procedures — Perform chemical waving/texturizing (e.g., alkaline, acid, non-thio) services
    • Chemical services principles and procedures — Understand the chemical products used for the various hair texture types
  • Skin Care and Services (10% of items) (10%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Evaluate client’s skin: Type; Condition
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recognize conditions that would prohibit service (i.e., contraindications)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recommend services or products based on client needs
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Establish/Maintain client records (e.g., service history, client card, medical history)
    • Tools used for skin care services — Identify purpose, function, and infection control procedures of items: Equipment (e.g., chair, steamer); Implements (e.g., tweezers, brushes, extractors); Supplies, products, and materials (e.g., creams, masks, towels, wax, head coverings)
    • Tools used for skin care services — Demonstrates safe practices: Tools/Implements; Ergonomics
    • Skin care principles and procedures — Apply knowledge of a basic facial
    • Skin care principles and procedures — Apply knowledge of hair removal
    • Skin care principles and procedures — Apply knowledge of makeup application
    • Skin care principles and procedures — Apply knowledge of electrical equipment
  • Nail Care and Services (10% of items) (10%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Evaluate condition of client’s nails
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recognize conditions that would prohibit service (i.e., contraindications)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recommend services or products based on client needs
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Establish/Maintain client records (e.g., service history, client card, medical history)
    • Tools used for nail care services — Identify purpose, function, and infection control procedures of items: Equipment (e.g., workstation, pedicure basin); Implements (e.g., nippers, file); Supplies, products, and materials (e.g., towels, creams, polish)
    • Tools used for nail care services — Demonstrates safe practices: Tools/Implements; Ergonomics
    • Nail care service principles and procedures — Apply knowledge of a basic manicure and pedicure
    • Nail care service principles and procedures — Apply, maintain, and remove nail enhancements
Examination sources